ANIMAL COVERINGS
Lesson Plan
TARGET AUDIENCE
Kindergarten through Second grade
STANDARDS
VA Grades K-1: Scientific investigation, reasoning and logic; Matter; Life processes;
Earth patterns, cycles and changes.
MD Grades K-2: Constructing knowledge; Applying evidence and reasoning;
Communicating scientific information.
DC Grades K-2: Scientific inquiry, Physical science, Life science.
* See page 3 for an in-depth list of standards of learning covered in this program.
OVERARCHING GOAL
To observe, compare and contrast, and analyze animal coverings and to group animals
based on their shared characteristics.
STUDENT OBJECTIVES
1. Students will observe a variety of animals and what covers their bodies.
2. Students will compare and contrast the animals and their body coverings.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
1. Students will describe and draw the animal body coverings.
2. Students will sort and/or classify the animals by their body coverings.
MATERIALS, RESOURCES, TIME, SPACE
Materials: variety of animals, laminated animal pictures of same animals, Animal
Coverings #1, Post-visit Activity Sheet.
Time: 45 minutes
Space: Discovery Room
= denotes special needs lesson accommodations
PROCEDURE
Discussion/brainstorming on mammal survival with Docent (5 minutes): Welcome
school group and begin the brainstorming session by instructing the students to close
their eyes, think of an animal, and picture what the animal looks like. Ask the following
questions: What animal are you thinking of? What covers that animal’s body? After
brainstorming, explain that the Museum has many types of animals that scientists study.
Today they will be just like scientists, examining animals to see what kinds of body
coverings they have. Show students Animal Coverings Activity Sheet #1 and explain
Activity #1.
Activity #1 (15 minutes):
Students break up into groups. Each group begins at a station with two animals, and
uses their eyes and hands to observe and feel what covers the animal’s body.
Laminated cards with each animal will be placed at the table to help the students later
recognize the animal and the covering.
Students draw the animals’ body coverings on the animal outlines provided on Animal
Coverings Activity Sheet #1. Students rotate among four stations to observe eight
animals total.
Introduction of Activity #2 (5 minutes):
Students reconvene and docent explains Activity #2, stressing that the activity will
require sharing and cooperation. Tell students that there is more than one correct
answer for this activity, and that the important factor is for them to be able to explain
why they sorted the animals the way they did.
Activity #2 (10 minutes):
Students return with their groups to a space on the floor where they are given a tray and
laminated pictures of the animals from the stations.
Laminated pictures and student’s worksheets will be used to help with recall and
organization.
Students compare and contrast the animals and decide how they could be sorted into
groups according to their body coverings. Students arrange the pictures of the animals
into groups in the tray.
Sharing (8 minutes):
All trays are brought to the front of the room and students share with their classmates
how they sorted their animals and why they sorted them the way they did.
Closure (2 minutes):
Docent notes that students sorted the animals in different ways, and states that s/he
would like to show them one more way to sort the animals. Explain: The scientists who
work in the Natural History Museum study animals according to the groups to which
they belong. This example is based on how the scientists in the Museum would sort
them. Show students a tray with the animal pictures sorted by broad taxonomic group
(i.e. invertebrates, reptiles, birds, mammals) and explain why scientists sort animals into
these groupings.
Note to Docent: Use thinking out loud when classifying the animals by taxonomic group.
For example “Hm, I see that this animal has fur just like this other one. I think I will put
them in a group together.” Or “I remember that Jimmy said this one has feathers.”
Thank the students and their teachers for coming. Point out to students that as they are
going through the Museum, notice how the halls are also split up into these categories
(i.e. Mammals Hall, Reptiles Hall, Insects).
STANDARDS
VA grades K-1:
 K.1: a) Basic properties of objects observed.
b) Observations made from multiple perspectives.
c) Pictorial and verbal description of objects are made.
e) Objects grouped by physical attributes.
g) Questions are developed from observations.
j) Unusual and unexpected results in activity recognized.
 K.2: a) Use senses to gather information. .
 K.4: c) Textures and feel of objects can be described.
 1.1: a) Differences in physical properties observed.
c) Objects are arranged according to attributes.
d) Observations are communicated orally and with pictures.
f) Predictions are made based on patterns of observations.
h) Inferences are made, conclusions are drawn.
 1.5: b) Classification of animals based on physical characteristics.
 1.7: b) Earth patterns affect animals’ body covering.
MD grades K-2:
 Standard 1.A.1.a) Describe what can be learned about things by observing.
b) Seek information through observations, exploration and
investigation.
 Standard 1.B.1.a) Provide reasons for accepting ideas.
b) Develop reasonable explanations for observations made,
share ideas and listen to other’s ideas.
 Standard 1.C.1.a) Describe things as accurate as possible and compare
observations with others.
b) Describe and compare things in terms of texture.
c) Draw pictures to portray some features of objects.
d) Work in a team, share findings with others, recognize that
all should reach their own conclusions about findings.
DC grades K-2:
 K.SI.1. Describe objects by drawing pictures.
 K.SI.2. Learn that scientific inquiry can be used to learn about natural world.
 K.SI.3. Use senses to gather information.
 K.PS.2. Investigate and compare physical properties of objects.
 K.LS.2. Describe that animals are alike in some ways and different in others.
 1.1.1. Observe and sort objects as a way of categorizing some properties.
 1.1.2. Make observations to seek answers to questions.
 1.1.7. Describe and compare objects by texture.
 1.4. Different types of animals inhabit the earth.
 2.1.1. Describe objects and compare observations with others.
 2.1.3. Demonstrate ability to work with a team.
 2.1.6. Draw pictures to portray key features of an object.
 2.6.1. Observe and identify the visible external features of animals.
ANIMAL COVERINGS
Background Information for the Teacher
Animal Coverings
Different kinds of animals have different body coverings. Animals with backbones
(vertebrates) include 5 major groups based on observable features including body
covering, among other characteristics:

Fish have skin covered with wet scales

Amphibians have bare skin that is usually moist or wet

Reptiles have skin covered with dry scales

Birds have skin covered with feathers

Mammals have skin covered with hair (fur)
Animals without backbones (invertebrates) are extremely diverse in form, and have
many different kinds of body coverings. Most arthropods, the group to which horseshoe
crabs and insects belong, are covered by exoskeletons. An exoskeleton is a hard outer
covering made of a hard, semi-transparent substance called chitin.
Why have body coverings?
The exoskeleton of arthropods and the skin and other coverings of vertebrates are very
important to these animals. These body coverings provide protection and insulation, as
well as a number of additional functions for individual animal groups.
1. Protection
Body coverings provide a protective layer against physical damage as well as acting as
a barrier to disease-causing organisms like fungi and bacteria. Vertebrate structures
formed from a protein called keratin may act as an additional barrier between the
animals’ internal tissues and the environment, as well as providing the animal with a
structure that can be used for defense, such as a horn or claw. Structures made of
keratin include scales, horns, claws, nails, hooves, and hair. The hard outer covering,
or exoskeleton, of arthropods acts as a defense against predators as well as
environmental damage.
2. Insulation
Body coverings may help exothermic (cold-blooded) animals such as arthropods, fish,
amphibians, and reptiles to retain or release heat from their environments. Body
coverings may help endothermic (warm-blooded) animals such as birds and mammals
to maintain and regulate their internal body temperatures.
3. Other Functions
Other functions associated with some body coverings include:

camouflage for protection against predators

recognition signal to mates or members of the same population

flight (contour feathers)

sensory organs (whiskers)

protection against harmful UV rays from the sun

waterproofing and protection against desiccation (drying out)

structure and rigidity (exoskeleton)
Animal Groups and their coverings
1. Arthropods
Arthropods have an exoskeleton that helps to support their bodies in the absence of an
internal skeleton. The exoskeleton provides a place of attachment for the muscles,
since there are no internal bones. Arthropods’ growth may be prevented by the rigidity
of the exoskeleton. In order to grow, they must shed their exoskeletons, leaving them
unprotected but able to grow rapidly before the new exoskeleton hardens (usually within
a few hours). Key characteristics: dry, hard.
2. Fish
Fish are covered in a flexible layer of overlapping scales that are embedded in the inner
layer of the skin. They are also protected by a layer of mucous slime that is secreted
from glands in the skin. This slime layer is antiseptic and helps to lubricate the animal,
making it more streamlined when swimming. Sharks and manta rays have a different
type of skin scale from most fish. Their scales are small and tooth-like. The scales
extend into their mouths where they serve as teeth. Key characteristics: wet, scales.
Close-up of fish scales
Image courtesy http://thejavajive.com
3. Amphibians
A majority of amphibians have “bare” skin that lacks scales, feathers or fur. The outer
layer of the skin is usually smooth, except in some species of frogs and toads.
Amphibians’ skin contains many mucous glands that secrete slime to lubricate the skin
and prevent the animal from becoming waterlogged. Since the skin of many
amphibians is also an organ of respiration, it must be kept moist at all times to help the
animals breathe. Key characteristics: smooth, wet.
4. Reptiles
Reptile skin lacks feathers and fur, but they do have dry scales. Their skin does not
contain sweat glands, so it may easily dry out in an exposed environment. Dry, horny
scales act as a protective layer to help prevent water loss from their bodies. Most
reptiles periodically renew their skin and shed the old, outer layer. Key characteristics:
dry, scales.
Shed snake skin
Image courtesy http://museum.utep.edu
5. Birds
Birds possess a covering of feathers on their body and scales over the exposed skin of
their legs. Feathers are specialized structures made of keratin. There are three types
of feathers: down feathers, which provide a protective insulation layer; filoplume
feathers, which are hair-like feathers associated with down feathers; and contour
feathers, which provide an ideal surface for flight. Key characteristic: feathers.
6. Mammals
Mammals are the only animals that possess hair, a structure that grows from the outer
layer of the skin. A dense soft covering of hair may be called fur or wool. Hair forms an
insulating cover. Glands in mammalian skin release oils which help to keep the fur
waterproof and offer protection against rain and the cold.
Some mammals, however, do not need the protection of a furry coat. Such animals
include elephants, rhinos and hippos. Animals such as elephants, rhinos, and hippos
have only a sparse covering of hair over their thick, leathery skins. Other animals
possess a layer of blubber under the skin, which serves to insulate their bodies. These
animals do have some hair, but only a few sensory bristles found around their mouths
for touch. Animals with blubber and sensory bristle hairs include whales and dolphins.
Key characteristic: hair/fur.
Diagram of mammal hair
Image courtesy http://www.dermatology.org.uk
Glossary
amphibian Noun. Any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Amphibia, including frogs and toads, newts
and salamanders, where the larvae is usually aquatic and breathes by using gills, while the adults are
usually semi-terrestrial, and breathes by using lungs and through their moist skin.
antiseptic Adjective. Free from, or cleaned of, germs and other microorganisms.
arthropod Noun. An invertebrate having a segmented body, jointed limbs, and usually a chitinous shell
that undergoes moltings, including the insects, spiders and other arachnids, and crustaceans.
bird Noun. Any warm-blooded vertebrate of the class Aves, having a body covered with feathers,
forelimbs modified into wings, scaly legs, a beak, no teeth, and bearing young in a hard-shelled egg.
blubber Noun. The fat layer between the skin and muscle of whales and other animals, from which oil is
made.
bristle Noun. One of the short, stiff, coarse hairs of certain animals.
camouflage Noun. Concealment by some means that alters or obscures the appearance.
chitin Noun. A substance that that forms a semitransparent, horny substance and is a principal
constituent of the exoskeleton, or outer covering, of insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.
contour feather Noun. One of the three types of feathers possessed by birds that provides an ideal
plane for flight.
desiccation Verb. To dry thoroughly.
down feather Noun. The soft under-plumage of birds.
ectotherm Noun. An organism that regulates its body temperature largely by exchanging heat with its
surroundings.
endotherm Noun. An organism that generates heat to maintain its body temperature, typically above the
temperature of its surroundings.
exoskeleton Noun. An external covering or a skeleton on the outside of an animal’s body.
filoplume feather Noun. One of the three types of feathers possessed by birds that are hair-like and
associated with down feathers.
fish Noun. Any of various cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrates, having gills, usually fins, and typically an
elongated body covered with scales.
insulation Noun. A material that covers, lines, or separates in order to prevent or reduce the passage,
transfer, or leakage of heat.
invertebrate Noun. Not having a backbone or spinal column.
keratin Noun. A type of protein material found in the dead outer skin layer, and in horn, hair, feathers,
hoofs, nails, claws, bills, etc.
mammal Noun. Any vertebrate having the body more or less covered with hair, nourishing the young
with milk from the mammary glands, and, with the exception of the egg-laying monotremes, giving birth to
live young.
mucous Noun. A viscous, slimy mixture of water and other substances that is secreted by glands lining
certain body cavities which serves primarily to protect and lubricate surfaces.
respiration Noun. The inhalation and exhalation of air; breathing.
reptile Noun. Any cold-blooded vertebrate, including groups such as the turtles, snakes, lizards,
crocodilians and various extinct members including the dinosaurs.
scale Noun. One of the thin, flat, horny plates forming the covering of certain animals, as snakes and
lizards.
vertebrate Noun. Having a backbone or spinal column.
Resources
Suggested Web Sites:
World Almanac for Kids: Animal Facts
http://www.worldalmanacforkids.com/WAKI-Chapter.aspx?chapter_id=1
National Geographic Kids
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com
National Zoo
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/
North American Mammals by National Museum of Natural History
http://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/
NASA Infrared Zoo
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/image_galleries/ir_zoo/
Suggested Books:
DK Publishing. (2006). Encyclopedia of Animals. New York, NY: DK Children.
DK Publishing. (1997). The Big Book of Animals. New York, NY: DK Children.
References
Burnie, David. (2005). Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World’s Wildlife. New
York, NY: DK Publishing.
Mcghee, Karen and George McKay. (2006). National Geographic Encyclopedia of
Animals. New York, NY: National Geographic Children’s Books.
Parsons, Jayne and Barbara Taylor. (2000). DK Animal Encyclopedia. New York, NY:
DK Children.
ANIMAL COVERINGS
Activity Sheet #1
Name ________________________________________________________________
Name of animal
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Body covering
ANIMAL COVERINGS
Post-visit Activity to do in the classroom
Animal Survey
Objectives: Listed in the beginning of the lesson plan
Time: Two 55 minutes classes
Materials: Paper and writing instruments or digital cameras; poster board.
Discussion (10 min)
Students brainstorm the types of animals they saw in the Museum and list what covered
their bodies. Students can also share the different groups of animals they saw in the
Museum and what characteristics the animals had in common (or how they were
different).
Application/Problem Solving (*about 90 minutes):
Introduce the “problem” students will solve. You are a scientist at the National Museum
of Natural History and have been asked to take a survey of the animals in your school
yard. You and other scientists in your group will need to create a method for collecting
information about the animals you will see. You will also need to figure out a way to put
the animals into groups. What other animal characteristics can you observe on the
animals in your school yard? How would you group your animals?
1. Use the same student groups. Ask them to devise a method for collecting
observations about animal characteristics (field notes). Students can also use
digital cameras to take photos of the animals they see or draw pictures.
2. Students will observe in the school yard for animals and collect data on all the
animals they see.
3. Students will use the data to develop a scheme for grouping the animals.
4. Students will display the groupings in list, picture or photo array.
*You can save time on this activity by providing field notes ahead of time; thus
eliminating the need for step #1. This may also be necessary for younger students. See
next page for field note example.
Post Activity Discussion (20 min):
Members from each group present their array and explain how they sorted the animals
and why.
11
Field Notes
Draw the animal you see in this box.
Name of Animal: ________________________________________________________
What does the animal looks like? ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What is the animal doing? ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What is the animal’s habitat? ______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
12